Abstract
This report assesses the latest developments in the fast-moving audio-visual goods market, which Mintel previously reported on in August 2001. The focus of this report is on products whose primary function is the recording and playback of audio and/or visual material. There has, however, been a strong trend in the last few years towards convergence of technologies across many audio-visual and indeed other electronics markets, and many products, such as mobile phones and games consoles, offer some audio-visual features in addition to their main functions. While such developments are undoubtedly welcomed by consumers looking for more convenient and compact products, these products have begun to pose significant challenges to manufacturers of audio-visual products whose functions they are mimicking.
The audio-visual equipment market continues to evolve at an increasingly frenetic pace, with the development of products such as flat-screen plasma and LCD televisions, MP3 players and the forthcoming high-definition televisions to name but a few of the most recent developments. Some of the new products mentioned when Mintel last reported on the market in 2001, such as DVD and widescreen TV, are now ubiquitous, whereas others, such as minidiscs, have been largely superceded. While the techno-junkies in the population will welcome these changes, many consumers, even those who take an interest in new technology, are likely to feel confused and overwhelmed by the rate of progression.
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